Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects
by Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation
Also known as: Broadband & Cellular Expansion Stream
NOHFC funds broadband and cellular expansion in unserved/underserved Northern Ontario (below 25 Mbps, or cellular gaps along the Trans-Canada and King's Highways): 50% of eligible costs to $1 million per project, targeted at $500 per dwelling average, up to $1,500 per dwelling for 50 Mbps+ service. All-government funding is capped at 90%, and at least 85% of costs must be capital/equipment. Applicants must show ICON rejection or ineligibility.
Key facts
- Amount
- Up to $1,000,000
myportal.nohfc.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
- Instrument
- Conditional contribution
- Status
- Open, continuous intake no fixed deadline; approvals on the funder's cycle
- Your share
- See terms
myportal.nohfc.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
- Who qualifies
- Municipalities, municipal organizations, Indigenous communities, community based networks or ICT community champions
- Project must address unserved or underserved areas with speeds below 25 Mbps, or cellular expansion along the Trans-Canada and King's Highways
- Applicants must demonstrate prior rejection from the ICON program or explain ICON ineligibility
- Coverage maps and network design documentation demonstrating speed delivery capability are required
myportal.nohfc.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Common questions
Who can apply, can an ISP apply directly?
Eligible applicants are municipalities, municipal organizations, Indigenous communities, and community-based networks or ICT community champions. Private telecoms typically participate via a community-led project rather than applying alone.
How much funding is available?
50% of eligible costs up to $1 million per project, benchmarked at $500 per dwelling on average, rising to $1,500 per dwelling for projects delivering 50 Mbps or greater. Government sources combined cannot exceed 90% of costs.
Do we need to have applied to ICON first?
Yes, applicants must demonstrate their project was rejected by the ICON (Improving Connectivity for Ontario) program or explain why it was ineligible for ICON.
What documentation is required?
Coverage maps and network design documentation demonstrating the network can deliver the claimed speeds; at least 85% of eligible costs must be broadband/cellular capital and equipment such as towers, antennas, electronics, and site buildings.
Apply
Apply on the funder’s site and confirm current terms there: